Gavi Smiles Again

There are moments in football that mean more than any goal. Gavi's reaction upon learning of his inclusion in Spain's World Cup squad was one of them.

"To be honest, I was very nervous. I didn't even want to watch the video because I get nervous in those situations. Lamine Yamal told me to watch it with him, and when I heard my name, it was an incredible feeling," he recalls.

The midfielder will now compete at his second FIFA World Cup, having made his tournament debut in Qatar.

For the Spain international and FC Barcelona player, the journey back has been anything but straightforward. At only 21 years old, he has already endured a difficult period marked by serious injury. After suffering an anterior cruciate ligament rupture, he later sustained a radial tear of the medial meniscus in the same knee, beginning another demanding rehabilitation process that required patience, resilience and determination.

"I thought I would be out for four or five weeks, but the doctor told me it would be four or five months. I remember he even had to leave the room because I was about to explode," Gavi admits. "But I always had the ambition and the dream of coming back."

His determination has been a defining characteristic throughout his career. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Gavi became the youngest Spanish player ever to score at a World Cup, finding the net at 18 years and 110 days old — a record he still holds today.

Throughout his recovery, the support and confidence of head coach Luis de la Fuente have also played a significant role. The Spain manager has consistently backed the Andalusian midfielder.

"I have a lot of affection for him. He has always believed in me and trusted me, and I'm very grateful for that," Gavi explains.

Some comebacks are celebrated like trophies. Gavi's return, after everything he has experienced, feels like one already. A victory over time, over injury and over adversity.

Today, Gavi is smiling again.

And with him, so is Spain.